If you are anything like us, the Golden Labradoodle might have recently caught your eye. These dogs are a Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix, also referred to as a Double Doodle or Northern American Retriever. And once you’ve seen these puppies, they captivate your heart. But before bringing your little guy home, you might want to ask yourself a few questions. Maybe even make a list of the pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle? Since you’re here, why don’t you take a look at ours?!
Pros Of Owning A Golden Labradoodle
Hypoallergenic
Do Golden Labradoodles shed? Depending on their coat type, most Doodles don’t shed much at all. That is the reason most people label Doodles as hypoallergenic. And while this doesn’t mean that you can’t be allergic to the Doodle, it does have it’s benefits. For example, if you have seasonal allergies, shedding dogs can set off sneezing fits. But with a dog that has virtually no shedding, this won’t be an issue.
Hypoallergenic coats are also great for people with asthma and eczema. When you have a dog that doesn’t shed much, you will experience fewer symptoms. And let’s not forget that you can sleep with your pups without worrying about dog hair.
So which coats are the most hypoallergenic? Most Golden Labradoodles have either a curly, wavy, or straight hair type. The curlier your puppy’s hair is, the less it will shed. But these types of coats can be the pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle depending on how you view it.
Temperament
The Double Doodle is the best of everything you know about Doodles. They have the sweet and gentle spirits of the Goldendoodle, but they are also adventure-seeking like the Labradoodle. When you bring a Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix into your home, there will never be a dull moment.
Your dog will love to cuddle and spend every waking moment with you. But these Doodles are also great for people who love to get out and be active. And when you combine this with their social natures, you will see that the Double Doodle lights up the room.
Trainability
Golden Labradoodles are some of the smartest dogs you will ever meet. They live to serve and make you happy, which means that your puppy is willing to do anything to make you proud. Anything from potty training to basic commands and tricks is a breeze.
Colors
You might think that Golden Labradoodles only come in golden colors. But that isn’t exactly true. Sure, golds and creams are more popular, but they also come in blacks, chocolates, and tan. So if your ideal Doodle is black with curly hair, nothing will be in your way.
Size Variations
The Standard Golden Labradoodle weighs in at 50-80 pounds. That’s a great size for people who love larger dogs. But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If you don’t like larger dogs, we suggest a Mini Double Doodle. These Minis are anything under 40 pounds and are perfect for those who want a medium-sized dog.
You might be thinking that “under 40 pounds” seems a little vague. And we couldn’t agree more. Each breeder has an ideal weight that they aim for when mixing hybrids. But it’s not always an exact science. If you want a better idea of your puppy’s full-grown size, talk with your breeders. They can show you the parents and any past litters to give you the best estimate of your puppy’s size.
Long Lifespans
The Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix has a long and healthy lifespan. You will have anywhere between 12-15 years with your family pet if they stay healthy. So what can you do to make sure that you get this, or even more? A great diet, exercise, and check-ups can do a world of wonders to keep your dog healthy.
Great With Kids
The Golden Labradoodle has the perfect temperament for kids. Your family will become apart of your dog’s family as well. Their sweet characters and gentle spirits make them great family pets. You might even find that your dog understands how fragile younger children are. Your Doodle will stay calmer and act with caution to take care of your babies.
Less Barking
For owners on the hunt for a dog that doesn’t bark much, the Golden Labradoodle is your dog. The only times your dog will bark is when they get antsy for something. Whether they need a walk, food, or just entertainment, these Doodles will let you know what they need. But you will never see your Double Doodle barking aimlessly at small noises or things in the yard.
Easy To Find
And our last pro is that you can find Golden Labradoodles in almost every major city. There are no shortages, and in some cases, that can also bring down a puppy’s price. But this is another one that can also be a con, depending on your optimism.
Cons Of Owning A Golden Labradoodle
When deciding on any pet, it is crucial to look at all the pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle. Seeing all the good in a pet is the easy part. But in this next section, you will have to decide if each con is something you can live with.
Grooming
Are Golden Labradoodles high maintenance? If you are looking strictly at grooming needs, then yes. You will need to prepare for lots of brushing and grooming appointments with a Double Doodle.
The curlier and silkier the hair is, the more it will need to be brushed. And curly and wavy coats need a trim every 6-8 weeks. So you will spend a lot of time and money to keep up with the hypoallergenic coats. And it’s not something that you can neglect often.
Hard To Predict
A Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix is hard to predict in a lot of aspects. The Golden Labradoodle is 50% Poodle, 25% Golden Retriever, and 25% Lab. But they can inherit more characteristics of one breed over the other because genetics can be fickle. Your dog might act more like a Poodle but have the hair of a Lab. And there’s no way to know what you might get.
Activity Needs
If you are an athletic person, the Golden Labradoodle will have no problems fitting into your schedule. They love to tag along on any outdoor activity you enjoy. But if you aren’t a very active person, you might find it hard to keep up with the Double Doodle’s needs.
Your Doodle will need to have at least an hour of exercise a day. This is long enough to keep them healthy and prevent boredom, but it doesn’t have to be a walk. You can rotate between intense play, dog parks, and walks to give your dog something to look forward to.
Lots Of Attention
With great intelligence in a dog comes great responsibility. Your Golden Labradoodle will need to have lots of attention and interaction to thrive. Unfortunately, that means that if you work long hours, this breed may not be for you. But there are a few ways to get around this.
Hiring a dog walker for a midday stroll will help your Doodle feel loved and entertained. Another great option is Doggie Daycare, where your pup can also socialize with other dogs. Your dog will never feel alone and will have a home away from home.
Health
Most Golden Labradoodles are healthy and hearty dogs. But disease does not discriminate against breeds. Your Golden Labradoodle is more prone to:
- Joint problems
- Eye disease
- Genetic heart conditions
- Addison’s disease
- And digestive issues
Knowing what your future dog could develop will help you in a few ways. For one, you can choose a great breeder that tests for these things. It also enables you to recognize the symptoms early and get insurance accordingly.
Prone To Bad Breeding
Remember when we talked about how having a common dog is a pro? Well, here is where we tell you about the downside to that. Doodles are the number one dog prone to coming from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. People learned quickly that these dogs sell for a high price, so they entered the market in unethical ways.
When you buy from any breeder, you should do a little homework first, no matter the breed. Before you ever place a deposit, you should tour the facilities and see the dogs. The conditions that they keep their dames and sires speaks volumes about their breeding habits. You should also look over all contracts to make sure that they line up with your ethics.
Puppy Cost
How much is a Golden Labradoodle? Depending on your area, these puppies sell for as little as $1,000. But you also shouldn’t be surprised about prices as high as $5,000. These higher prices are generally for smaller Doodles or rare colors. However, it can also be the result of superior genetics.
Do You Still Want A Golden Labradoodle?
Did you get through these pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle and still love them? Then go out and look for a breeder near you today! It sounds like you are ready for the next step in getting a new puppy.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
